Date: 28 August 2025

Venue: University of Zimbabwe Innovation Hub 

OVERVIEW

The UZ–Toyota Connected Internship Exhibition Day marked the culmination of a transformative three-month internship programme designed to empower Zimbabwean youth with research and practical tech skills. A collaboration between the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), Toyota Connected Japan, Pegara, and other partners, the programme focused on real-world problem-solving in domains such as AI, IoT, digital transformation, and data science.Out of 579 expressions of interest, 18 students were selected (13.7% acceptance rate) to develop innovative solutions across sectors, including transportation,healthcare, agriculture, education, engineering and energy. Eventually, 16 interns successfully completed the programme. 

Special Award: 

WFP Zimbabwe Grant ($10,000 each): 

Prince Masina – Boneka 

Rumbidzayi Pamhare – Zagri Boost  

Third Prize:Third Prize: 

Laptop from Pegara 

Mr. Cyton Kwanisi – Nai Wake

Continued support from Pegara and Toyota Connected  

Second Prize:Second Prize: 

Jetson Nano from Pegara Japan 

Ms. Rumbidzayi Pamhare – Zagri Boost 

Continued support from Pegara Japan and Toyota Connected  

First Prize:First Prize: 

All-expenses-paid tour to Japan to visit Toyota Connected 

Ms. Linda Bepe – Parklee 

Continued mentorship and support